Journal entries kept by Pope Francis before and during his papacy will be published for the first time this fall. Image, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, announced that "The Private Diary of Pope Francis" will be released in English and four other languages on Nov. 24. The book is issued in partnership with Libreria Editrice Vaticana (LEV), the Vatican Publishing House.
According to the publisher, the volume offers an "extraordinary glimpse" into the late pontiff's "hopes and fears, struggles and prayers." The writings span from December 1992, more than two decades before he became pope, to August 2024, eight months before his death. He was succeeded by Pope Leo XIV. The English-language edition was translated from the Spanish original by Sister Bernadette Reis and edited and annotated by Víctor Manuel Fernández, an Argentine cardinal who heads the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Catholic commentators and social justice advocates have noted that Francis' private reflections may provide further context for his public emphasis on humility and outreach to marginalized communities. During his lifetime, Francis was known for his down-to-earth style and for visiting poor countries with persecuted Christian minorities rather than traditional Catholic strongholds. His early books, such as "The Name of God Is Mercy," reflected these priorities.
Advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Church point to Francis' past actions, such as his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and his meeting with Pope Leo XIV, who has vowed continuity with Francis' legacy of welcome. The publication of the diaries is seen by some as an opportunity to understand the personal spiritual struggles behind these public stances, including his call during the pandemic for "all of us to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other."
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative Catholics and traditionalists have previously expressed concern over Francis' leadership, particularly regarding doctrinal issues and his handling of abuse crises. Some conservatives were angered by his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, which they viewed as diverging from traditional teachings. The release of private diaries is anticipated by this group as a potential source of insight into his decision-making processes during controversial periods.
Critics have also cited his 2016 comments regarding then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, when Francis stated that anyone building a wall to keep migrants out "is not Christian." Additionally, Francis faced widespread criticism for saying that those who accused Chilean Bishop Juan Barros of helping to protect the alleged pedophile Rev. Fernando Karadima had committed slander. Conservative observers will likely scrutinize the diaries for private reflections on these and other contentious decisions.
What the Numbers Show
The diary entries cover a period spanning approximately 32 years, from December 1992 to August 2024. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope. He died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The book will be published in English and four other languages simultaneously. The publication date is Nov. 24. The editing and annotation were performed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, while translation was handled by Sister Bernadette Reis.
The Bottom Line
The publication of "The Private Diary of Pope Francis" marks the first time these personal writings will be available to the general public. The release comes under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, who has indicated a desire to maintain continuity with Francis' legacy. Readers and historians will look to the diaries to reconcile the public persona of the first Latin American pope with his private spiritual struggles. The book's reception may influence ongoing debates within the Catholic Church regarding doctrine, social justice, and administrative transparency.
Penguin Random House and Libreria Editrice Vaticana have confirmed the release date, but have not yet disclosed specific excerpts beyond the publisher's description of "hopes and fears." Media outlets are expected to report on key revelations as the Nov. 24 launch approaches. The diaries may provide new context for historical events such as the pandemic response and diplomatic interactions with political figures like Donald Trump.